An Overview of Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is in the increasing rate that is seen in women of all ages particularly to the women who are in their sexually active age. Cervical cancer occurs in the cervix part which is located at the lower part of the uterus and this cervix acts as a bridge that connects the uterus and the vagina. In most of the cases, one of the type of infection known as Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the main cause for the cervical cancerous cells growth which occurs due to the sexually transmitted diseases.
Stages of Cervical Cancer
Even before the symptom arises, a simple PAP Smear test which is done at a regular medical check-up annually is well enough to detect any signs of cervical cancer. Thus, women especially who are from 20’s years of age and older can take up this test every once in two years or according to the recommendation of the gynaecologists.
Stage I—Cervical Cancer
As it is the initial stage, it can be detected when going for a routine medical check-up through a pap test. This can be easily removed as the cancerous cell is present only in the cervix and treatment options like radiation therapy, chemotherapy or surgery helps to remove them successfully.
Stage II—Stage II A and Stage II B
ď‚š In this case, the cancer cells have started spreading from cervix to the upper part of the vagina as well. This is the stage II A. Hence, to stop the spreading of these cancerous cells to other area , combination treatment is given to the patients. Like combining the radiation therapy with the chemotherapy or administrating external beam radiation therapy for 4 to 6 weeks duration depending upon the size of the cells. ď‚š Stage II B is the condition when the cancer cells spread to the nearest tissues of the cervix and it is commonly known as parametria. Thus, there are several treatment plans and supportive care is advised to the patients at this stage II to extend the survival time of the patient and to prevent any reoccurrence in future.
Stage III—Stage III A Stage III B Cervical Cancer
Generally, in any cancer type the complexity of the cancer increases with higher stages. Thus, in stage III, the cancer cells are spread from cervix, upper portion of vagina and lower portion of vagina which is called Stage III A and further if it gets spread to either one side or both sides of the pelvic region and also causes blockage to the kidney drainage system then it is called Stage III B cervical cancer.
Stage IV—Cervical Cancer
Stage IV is the most critical stage and the survival rate of the patient is very negligible as by now the cancerous cells are spread to other organs as well. In Stage IV A, the cervical cancer tumour cells have spread to bladder, rectum and it is makes even more difficult to treat the patient. In Stage IV B the cancerous cells get spread to other organs like liver, bones and lungs. However, only a very small percentage of patients in this stage IV have survived after the treatments.
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